LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1999 - SECT 8
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1999 - SECT 8
8—Principles to be observed by council
A council must act to uphold and promote observance of the following
principles in the performance of its roles and functions—
(a)
provide open, responsive and accountable government;
(b) be
responsive to the needs, interests and aspirations of individuals and groups
within its community;
(c)
participate with other councils, and with State and national governments, in
setting public policy and achieving regional, State and national objectives;
(d) give
due weight, in all its plans, policies and activities, to regional, State and
national objectives and strategies concerning the economic, social, physical
and environmental development and management of the community;
(e) seek
to co-ordinate with State and national government in the planning and delivery
of services in which those governments have an interest;
(ea)
seek to collaborate, form partnerships and share resources with other councils
and regional bodies for the purposes of delivering cost-effective services
(while avoiding cost-shifting among councils), integrated planning,
maintaining local representation of communities and facilitating community
benefit;
(f) seek
to facilitate sustainable development and the protection of the environment
and to ensure a proper balance within its community between economic, social,
environmental and cultural considerations;
(g)
manage its operations and affairs in a manner that emphasises the importance
of service to the community;
(h) seek
to ensure that council resources are used fairly, effectively and efficiently
and council services, facilities and programs are provided effectively and
efficiently;
(i)
seek to provide services, facilities and programs that
are adequate and appropriate and seek to ensure equitable access to its
services, facilities and programs;
(ia)
seek to balance the provision of services, facilities and programs with the
financial impact of the provision of those services, facilities and programs
on ratepayers;
(j)
achieve and maintain standards of good public administration;
(k)
ensure the sustainability of the council's long-term financial performance and
position.
Chapter 3—Constitution of councils